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`US 20090205121Al
`
`c19) United States
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`Cheng
`
`c10) Pub. No.: US 2009/0205121 Al
`Aug. 20, 2009
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) SPLASH GUARD FOR ABOVE-GROUND
`SWIMMING POOL
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor:
`
`Chung Wai (Paul) Cheng, Hong
`Kong (CN)
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`E04H 4106
`(2006.01)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ............................................................ 4/506
`
`Correspondence Address:
`TROUTMANSANDERSLLP
`BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
`600 PEACHTREE STREET, N.E., SUITE 5200
`ATLANTA, GA 30308-2216 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`12/370,694
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Feb.13,2009
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 29/319,548,
`filed on Jun. 11, 2008, Continuation-in-part of appli(cid:173)
`cation No. 29/319,550, filed on Jun. 11, 2008.
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/028,745, filed on Feb.
`14, 2008.
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Various embodiments of a splash guard for a container, such
`as an above-ground swimming pool, are disclosed. The pool
`can have a base, a side wall, and a horizontal support member,
`and at least a portion of the side wall can be positioned
`between the base and horizontal support member. The splash
`guard can comprise a pocket extending along the side wall.
`The pocket can comprise an outer pocket wall and an inner
`pocket wall. The outer and inner pocket walls can extend
`upwardly from the side wall, with the inner pocket wall posi(cid:173)
`tioned between the outer pocket wall and the pool interior.
`The pocket can receive the horizontal support member
`through an aperture in the outer pocket wall. Positioned
`between the outer pocket wall and the pool interior, the inner
`pocket wall can reduce an amount of media exiting the pool
`through the aperture in the outer wall.
`
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`BESTWAY EX. 1007; Pg 1
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`

`US 2009/0205121 Al
`
`Aug. 20, 2009
`
`1
`
`SPLASH GUARD FOR ABOVE-GROUND
`SWIMMING POOL
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`
`[0001] This application claims benefit, under 35 U.S.C.
`§119(e), of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/028,
`745, filed 14 Feb. 2008, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
`Design Patent Application Ser. Nos. 29/319,548 and 29/319,
`550, both filed 11 Jun. 2008. The entire contents and sub(cid:173)
`stance of these prior applications are hereby incorporated by
`reference.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention
`relate to a guard device and, more particularly, to a splash
`guard for an above-ground swimming pool for reducing the
`amount of water from splashing outside the swimming pool.
`[0003] Swimming pools, and other media containers, are
`well known in the art. Unfortunately, conventional frame(cid:173)
`pool swimming pools oftentimes permit the loss of a substan(cid:173)
`tial amount of water when there is a splash in the pool.
`[0004] As illustrated in FIGS. lA-lB, conventional swim(cid:173)
`ming pools 100, e.g., frame-pools, have gaps 25 near an angle
`in the horizontal support members 164. As a result, when a
`splash of water travels towards the gap 25, water can exit the
`pool via the gap 25. This may result in a loss of water that
`would, otherwise, not exit the pool. The loss of water raises
`the cost of maintaining the pool and, particularly nowadays
`when water is scarce in some locales, is simply a waste of a
`needed and treasured natural resource.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`[0005] Briefly described, exemplary embodiments of the
`present invention include a splash guard. The splash guard is
`an improved angle device for a container, such as an above(cid:173)
`ground swimming pool.
`[0006]
`In one aspect of the present invention, an above(cid:173)
`ground swimming pool incorporates a splash guard. The
`swimming pool includes a base, at least one side wall, a
`support system to maintain the pool in an upright position,
`and the splash guard. The side wall(s) can be coupled at the
`approximate perimeter of the base. The side wall is positioned
`approximately normal to the base, and is maintained in this
`position by the support system. The support system can
`include a vertical support member in communication with a
`horizontal support member. The horizontal support member
`can be positioned in proximity to the top of the side wall( s). At
`each position where the angle of the horizontal support mem(cid:173)
`ber is between approximately 90 degrees and approximately
`180 degrees, the splash guard can be positioned. The splash
`guard is adapted to prevent water from splashing out of gaps
`of the side wall.
`[0007] The splash guard can comprise a pocket adapted to
`link the horizontal support member to the side wall. The
`pocket can extend along an upper edge of the side wall. The
`pocket can comprise an outer pocket wall, an inner pocket
`wall, and a crest section.
`[0008] Both the outer and inner pocket walls can extend
`upwardly from the side wall. The inner pocket wall can be
`positioned between the outer pocket wall and the interior of
`the pool. The crest section can define a meeting between the
`inner pocket wall and the outer pocket wall. Together, the
`
`inner pocket wall, the outer pocket wall, and the crest section
`can define a loop for retaining the horizontal support member.
`In an exemplary embodiment, the inner pocket wall, the outer
`pocket wall, and the crest section are comprised of an unin(cid:173)
`terrupted material, but alternatively, separate pieces of one or
`more materials may comprise each of the inner pocket wall,
`the outer wall, and the crest section.
`[0009] The pocket can receive the horizontal support mem(cid:173)
`ber through an aperture in the outer pocket wall. Positioned
`between the outer pocket wall and the interior of the pool, the
`inner pocket wall can reduce or prevent water or other media
`from exiting the pool through the aperture in the outer wall.
`[0010] These and other objects, features and advantages of
`the present invention will become more apparent upon read(cid:173)
`ing the following specification in conjunction with the
`accompanying drawing figures.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0011] FIG. lA illustrates a perspective view ofa first con(cid:173)
`ventional angle device.
`[0012] FIG. lB illustrates a perspective view of another
`conventional angle device.
`[0013] FIG. 2A illustrates a partial perspective, side view of
`an above-ground swimming pool incorporating a conven(cid:173)
`tional angle device.
`[0014] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of another
`above-ground swimming pool incorporating another conven(cid:173)
`tional angle device.
`[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an above(cid:173)
`ground swimming pool of incorporating a splash guard, in
`accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
`invention.
`[0016] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of the splash
`guard of FIG. 3, in accordance with a preferred embodiment
`of the present invention.
`[0017] FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of the splash
`guard of FIGS. 3 and 4A, in accordance with a preferred
`embodiment of the present invention.
`[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an above(cid:173)
`ground swimming pool incorporating another splash guard,
`in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
`invention.
`[0019] FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of the splash
`guard of FIG. 5, in accordance with a preferred embodiment
`of the present invention.
`[0020] FIG. 6B illustrates a side view of the splash guard of
`FIGS. 5 and 6A, in accordance with a preferred embodiment
`of the present invention.
`[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of yet another
`splash guard, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
`of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0022] Embodiments of the present invention can be more
`readily understood by reference to the following detailed
`description and the examples included herein. Before the
`exemplary embodiments according to aspects of the present
`invention are disclosed and described, it is to be understood
`that this invention is not limited to the embodiments
`described within this disclosure. Numerous modifications
`and variations therein will be apparent to those skilled in the
`art and remain within the scope of the invention. It is also to
`
`BESTWAY EX. 1007; Pg 11
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
`
`

`

`US 2009/0205121 Al
`
`Aug. 20, 2009
`
`2
`
`be understood that the terminology used herein is for the
`purpose of describing specific embodiments, and is not
`intended to be limiting.
`[0023] Unless otherwise noted, the terms used herein are to
`be understood according to conventional usage by those of
`ordinary skill in the relevant art. In addition to the definitions
`of terms provided below, it is to be understood that as used in
`the specification and in the claims, "a" or "an" can mean one
`or more, depending upon the context in which it is used.
`[0024] As used herein, the term "pool" shall refer to and
`include above-ground or free-standing swimming pools,
`spas, water tanks, or other above-ground liquid containment
`enclosures, e.g., above-ground containers.
`[0025] Embodiments of the present invention are directed
`toward a splash guard for an angled corner of a swimming
`pool for reducing water from splashing outside the pool.
`[0026] To facilitate an understanding of the principles and
`features of the invention, it is explained hereinafter with ref(cid:173)
`erence to its implementation in an illustrative embodiment. In
`particular, the invention is described in the context of being a
`splash guard for an above-ground swimming pool.
`[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention,
`however, are not limited to use as splash guards for swimming
`pools. Rather, exemplary embodiments can be used to reduce,
`if not prohibit, media from splashing out of many containers.
`Thus, the splash guard can also find utility as a guard for
`protecting a variety of fluids contained in various above(cid:173)
`ground containers from splashing out.
`[0028] The material described hereinafter as making up
`various elements of the container of the invention are
`intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable
`materials that would perform the same or a similar function as
`the materials described herein are intended to be embraced
`within the scope of the invention. Such other materials not
`described herein can include, but are not limited to, materials
`that are developed after the time of the development of the
`invention, for example.
`[0029]
`In order to better understand some beneficial fea(cid:173)
`tures of the splash guard, features of a swimming pool incor(cid:173)
`porating the splash guard are initially described. Referring
`now to the drawings, two different containers can be seen in
`the perspective views illustrated in FI GS. 2A-2B. As shown in
`FIGS. 2A-2B, an above-ground swimming pool 100 has a
`base 110 and a side wall 120, which is made from a physical
`material and is formed in a particular shape.
`[0030] The pool 100 can be a frame pool, which can be
`collapsible in nature. The frame pool is typically pre-fabri(cid:173)
`cated and includes a plurality of external vertical braces or
`frames for supporting the frame pool above the ground. The
`frame pool can be made of metal, plastic, and the like. Other
`types of pools can be implemented herein.
`[0031] The shape of the pool 100 can be circular, oval, or
`the like. The pool 100 can be made in a variety of shapes,
`including, but not limited to, rectangular, square, oblong,
`oval-shaped, elliptical, rectangular with rounded corners,
`polygonal, or the like. Various shapes can result in the pool
`100 having various numbers of side walls 120 forming the
`perimeter of the pool 100. Additionally, the pool 100 can be
`made in a variety of sizes, depending upon the desired use.
`[0032] The pool 100 is formed with the base 110 and side
`wall 120. The base 110 and side wall 120 can be manufac(cid:173)
`tured out of many different materials and can be formed of the
`same materials or each a different material. For example, the
`base 110 and side wall 120 of the swimming pool 100 can be
`
`formed from a textile ( e.g., burlap, etc.) or synthetic material
`(e.g., plastics, polyurethane, PVC, nylon, etc.). Many mate(cid:173)
`rials ( especially water-permeable textiles, etc.) can be used to
`construct a pool, and such materials can be treated to retain
`water. For example, such materials could be adhered to, lami(cid:173)
`nated with, coated with, or bonded to a material impermeable
`to water.
`[0033]
`In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the
`base 110 can be formed from a nylon shell, which can be
`laminated or otherwise treated to hold water. For example, the
`nylon shell might be bonded to another material, such as
`polyurethane, PVC, vinyl, or other suitable impermeable lin(cid:173)
`ing to provide the desirable waterproof qualities, and to pro(cid:173)
`vide a more pleasing tactile quality to the interior of the pool
`100. Similarly, the wall 120 of the pool 100 can be con(cid:173)
`structed from these materials, or other materials having simi(cid:173)
`lar suitable qualities. Many of the materials that are used can
`be selected for their durability.
`[0034] For example, the base 110 can be formed from mate(cid:173)
`rials that can be more durable than the side wall 120, as this
`section of the pool 100 would likely be subjected to more
`wear than that experienced by the side wall 120. Also, as
`described, the base 110 and side wall 120 can be formed from
`a combination of materials, which can be adhered or bonded
`together. The materials used for the various portions of the
`pool 100, including, for example, the base 110 and the side
`wall 120, can be joined by way of a number of commonly
`known suitable techniques, such as sewing, adhesives, bond(cid:173)
`ing, lamination, RF welding, other suitable joining tech(cid:173)
`niques, and the like. The connection of the base 110 to the side
`wall 120 can be along the bottom 122 of the sidewall 120. The
`base 110 includes a perimeter, wherein the side wall 120 can
`be connected about the perimeter of the base 110.
`[0035] The side wall 120 can include a single-layered wall.
`Alternatively, the side wall 120 can include a multi-layered
`wall, including an inner wall 126 and an outer wall 128. The
`inner wall 126 can, but need not, be sealable to the outer wall
`128. In either embodiment, the side wall 120 is preferably
`non-inflatable and non-spring activated.
`[0036]
`In one embodiment, the inner wall 126 can be made
`of pliable plastic, while the outer wall 128 can be made of
`hard plastic. Then, inner wall 126 can limit leakage of fluid
`should the outer wall 128 crack. Likewise, the material of the
`inner wall 126 can be made of hard plastic, and the material of
`the outer wall 128 can be made of pliable material to protect
`from potential leakage should the hard plastic crack.
`[0037]
`In another embodiment, the inner wall 126 can be
`made of hard plastic, while the outer wall 128 can also be
`made of hard plastic. In still another embodiment, both the
`inner and outer walls 126 and 128 can be made of a pliable
`material that is, preferably, stretched taut or nearly taut when
`the pool 100 is filled with water or is otherwise in use.
`[0038] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the pool 100
`can comprise a porthole 150, or a plurality thereof. The port(cid:173)
`holes 150 are translucent sections of the side wall 120, either
`integrally formed in/with the side wall 120, or separate ele(cid:173)
`ments. The portholes 150 are adapted like a window permit(cid:173)
`ting one to see into the pool 100. Similarly, the portholes 150
`enable one within the pool to see outside the pool 100. The
`portholes 150 can further enable determining the level of fluid
`within the pool 100.
`[0039] The portholes 150 can be of a particular shape. For
`instance, the shape of the portholes 150 can be oval. Alterna(cid:173)
`tively, the shape of the portholes 150 can be round or circular.
`
`BESTWAY EX. 1007; Pg 12
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
`
`

`

`US 2009/0205121 Al
`
`Aug. 20, 2009
`
`3
`
`Configurations of the portholes 150 around the pool vary. In
`an exemplary embodiment, the locations of the portholes 150
`can be placed symmetrically about the side wall 120.
`[0040] The portholes 150 can aid in safety, as the portholes
`150 can enable viewing into the pool 100 through the side
`wall 120. If the portholes 150 are removably designed by
`suitable means, the porthole 150 can also be used as a drain(cid:173)
`age device, enabling quick emptying of the fluid of the pool
`100. The portholes 150 can be integrally formed during
`manufacturing of the side wall 120, or removable, wherein
`they are attached via a waterproof/leak resistant means. The
`portholes 150 can also be included via a non-removable
`method, wherein the portholes are secured to or within the
`side wall 120.
`[0041] The portholes 150 can be secured in different ways
`within the side wall 120. In one embodiment, the portholes
`150 can be flush with the side wall 120, such as enabling a
`drainage device. In another embodiment, the portholes 150
`can be insertable between the inner wall 126 and the outer
`wall 128 of the side wall 120. The portholes 150 can be sealed
`between the inner wall 126 and the outer wall 128, wherein
`there is a hole between the inner wall 126 and the outer wall
`128, whereby the porthole seals the hole. The porthole 150,
`thus, can be sandwiched between the inner wall 126 and the
`outer wall 128. The porthole 150 can be sealed by conven(cid:173)
`tional compression or heat sealed methods.
`[0042] FIGS. 2A-2B also illustrate the pool 100 having a
`one or more braces or structural support systems 160. The
`support system 160 can include both vertical and horizontal
`support members 162 and 164, respectively. For instance, as
`illustrated in FIG. 2B, each vertical support member 162
`extends upwardly from the surface on which the pool 100
`rests, and is in communication with the horizontal support
`members 164.
`[0043] The support system 160 can be coupled to the side
`wall 120 ofthepool 100. For example, the support system 160
`can be inserted within the material making up the side wall
`120, such that the vertical support member 162 is coupled to
`the horizontal support member 164 thereabout. In one
`embodiment, the support system 160 can comprise at least a
`portion of a floatation device, and can have at least a portion
`coupled to the top of the side wall 120 and vertically along the
`side wall 120 to provide buoyancy and/or rigidity to the side
`wall 120. The support system 160 can comprise, for example,
`one or more inflatable bladders, collapsible foam, removable
`support members, and the like.
`[0044] The support system 160 can also be used on a frame
`pool, as well as a pop-up pool for supporting the pool above
`the ground. In an exemplary embodiment, the support system
`160 is positioned outside the pool 100.
`[0045] Additionally, the pool 100 can include a ladder (not
`shown) to enable one to enter and/or exit the pool 100. The
`ladder can be integral with the support member 160, or not.
`The ladder can further be insertable into the pool 100,
`enabling one to exit the pool 100. Because a rim of the pool
`100 is above the ground, the ladder is preferably flush with the
`rim for easy entry/exit from the pool 100.
`[0046] Because, in one embodiment, the pool 100 can be
`collapsible, the fluid in the pool 100 can be drainable. For
`example, a drainage assembly 180, as illustrated in FIG. 2B,
`is integral with the pool 100. In an exemplary embodiment,
`the drainage assembly 180 is a cork or like device, which is
`removable from the pool 100, such that, when removed the
`water from the pool 100 can be drained. The drainage assem-
`
`bly 180 can also be a valve enabling control of draining the
`pool 100. The drainage assembly 180 can be many devices
`enabling easy draining of the pool 100, safely and environ(cid:173)
`mentally.
`In one aspect of the present invention, the pool 100
`[0047]
`can be conveniently collapsed for storage and/or transport by
`removing the support system 160 and folding onto itself along
`with the base 110 and side wall 120 material in a manner that
`is well known.
`[0048] Accordingly, the above-ground container provides a
`number of different collapsible containers, which can be used
`as swimming pool. The various embodiments described
`above provide collapsible swimming pool that are foldable,
`enable easy storage, and increase portability when compared
`with prior approaches. Additionally, according to various
`embodiments, the collapsible swimming pool can be pro(cid:173)
`vided with a pop-up mechanism that automatically erects the
`pool to its full-sized, expanded configuration. The swimming
`pool can be constructed from durable, lightweight, foldable
`materials which are not easily damaged, and therefore con(cid:173)
`tribute to their long life.
`[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 3-7, the swimmingpool 100
`incorporates at least one splash guard 200. The splash guard
`200 is adapted to reduce, if not prevent, water from splashing
`outside the pool 100 at predetermined locations.
`[0050] FIG. 3 illustrates an above-ground swimming pool
`100 that incorporates the splash guard 200. As shown in FIG.
`3, the splash guard can be incorporated in a pool 100 having
`a rectangular shape, such that the splash guards 200 are pref(cid:173)
`erably positioned at the comers/angles of the pool 100. In this
`case, the splash guard 200 preferably has an angle of approxi(cid:173)
`mately 90 degrees.
`[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4B, additional views of
`the splash guard 200 of FIG. 3 are illustrated. Here, instead of
`providing a gap 25 (see FIGS. lA-18) or lack of material
`between the horizontal support member 164 of the support
`system 160 and the side wall 120, as was conventionally done
`(see, e.g., FIG. lA), the gap 25 is filled in with material from
`the side wall 120. Further, instead of the horizontal support
`member 164 extending beyond the periphery of the side wall
`120, as shown in the conventional solution of FIG. lA, the
`splash guard 200 of FIGS. 3 and 4A-4B is adapted to prevent
`water from splashing through the gap 25. The gap 25 is
`removed and the horizontal support member 164 is in line
`with (axial to) the perimeter of the pool 100.
`[0052] At or proximate the top end 102 of the pool 100, the
`side wall 120 can include, or be in physical communication
`with, a pocket 202. The pocket 202 couple the horizontal
`support member 164 to the sidewall 120. The pocket 202 can
`extend along a periphery of the pool 100 and along an upper
`edge of the side wall 120. Additionally, the pocket 120 can
`define one or more apertures 204 for receiving the horizontal
`support member 164. The horizontal support member 164 can
`comprise one or more angles, such as joints or bends, between
`approximately 90 and approximately 180 degrees along the
`perimeter of the pool 100. Such angles can define a shape of
`the pool 100. The apertures 204 can be located at these angles,
`and the splash guard 200 is positionable at or about each
`aperture 204.
`[0053] For instance, the pockets 202 of the pool 100 in FIG.
`3 are positioned at the comers of the pool 100. The pocket 202
`is adapted to receive and hold the horizontal support member
`164. The side wall 120 extends up to reach the at least bottom
`portion of the horizontal support member 164. Based on this
`
`BESTWAY EX. 1007; Pg 13
`Bestway v. Intex PGR2024-00036
`
`

`

`US 2009/0205121 Al
`
`Aug. 20, 2009
`
`4
`
`design, the splash guard 200 prevents water from splashing
`out of the pool 100, which can help lower costs and conserve
`water.
`In another embodiment, the splash guard 200 can be
`[0054]
`incorporated at the coupling of the vertical support member
`162 with the horizontal support member 164 of the support
`system 160. FIG. 5 illustrates an above-ground swimming
`pool 100 that also incorporates the splash guard 200. As
`shown in FIG. 5, the splash guard can be incorporated in a
`pool 100 having a polygonal shape, such that the splash
`guards 200 are preferably positioned at the edge of each side
`wall 120 of the pool 100. In this case, the splash guard 200
`preferably has an angle of between approximately 90 degrees
`and 180 degrees.
`[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6B and FIG. 7, addi(cid:173)
`tional views of the splash guard 200 are illustrated. Here,
`instead of providing the gap 25 or lack of material between
`the horizontal support member 164 of the support system 160
`and the side wall 120 (see FIG. lB), the gap 25 is filled in with
`material from the side wall 120. Insteadofthe gap 25 between
`the horizontal support member 164 and the side wall 120, as
`shown in the conventional solution of FIG. lB, the splash
`guard 200 of FIGS. 3 and 4A-4B is adapted to prevent water
`from splashing through the gap 25, as the gap 25 filled in.
`[0056] The pocket 202 can include one or more apertures
`204, preferably positioned at comers of the sides of the pool
`100. Each aperture 204 can be adapted to receive and hold the
`horizontal support member 164. Further, the apertures 204
`are preferably the meeting point of the coupling of the vertical
`support member 162 and the horizontal support member 164.
`Based on this design, the splash guard 200 prevents water
`from splashing out ofthepool 100, which helps save costs and
`water.
`[0057] As shown in FIG. 7, the pocket 202 an outer pocket
`wall 206, an inner pocket wall 208, and a crest section 209. In
`an exemplary embodiment, the outer pocket wall 206, the
`inner pocket wall 208, and the crest section 209 are comprised
`of an uninterrupted material, but alternatively, separate pieces
`of one or more materials may comprise each of the inner wall,
`the outer wall, and the crest section.
`[0058] Both the outer and inner pocket walls 206 and 208
`can extend upwardly from the side wall 120. The inner pocket
`wall 208 can be positioned between the outer pocket wall 206
`and the interior of the pool 100 or other container. The crest
`section 209 can define a meeting between the inner pocket
`wall 208 and the outer pocket wall 206. Together, the outer
`pocket wall 206, the inner pocket wall 208, and the crest
`section 209 can define a loop for containing one or more
`portions of the horizontal support member 164.
`[0059] The pocket 202 can comprise a receiving section
`203, in which the pocket 202 receives the horizontal support
`member 164 through an aperture 204. The aperture 204 can be
`defined by the outer pocket wall 206. As the horizontal sup(cid:173)
`port member 164 can be at least partially contained by the
`pocket, the aperture 204 in the outer pocket wall 206 can
`expose part of the horizontal support member 164. In an
`exemplary embodiment, the aperture 204 is positioned fully
`within the outer pocket wall 206 and does not extend beyond
`the crest section 209 to the inner pocket wall 208 side. Posi(cid:173)
`tioned between the outer pocket wall 206 and the interior of
`the pool 100, the inner pocket wall 208 can shield the aperture
`and thereby reduce or prevent water or other media from
`exiting the pool 100 through the aperture 204.
`
`[0060]
`In yet another embodiment of the splash guard, in
`which the side wall 120 comprises an inner wall 126 and an
`outer wall 128, the pocket 202 can comprise an upper portion
`of extension of the side wall 120. In this exemplary embodi(cid:173)
`ment, instead of the inner pocket wall 208 extending from the
`side wall 120, an upper portion of the inner side wall 126 act
`as the inner pocket wall 208. Similarly, an upper portion of the
`outer side wall 128 can act as the outer pocket wall 206.
`[0061]
`In such an embodiment, the upper portion of the
`outer side wall 128 can define the apertures 204 for receiving
`the horizontal support member 164. The inner side wall 126
`can extend upward, preferably at least to a height of the
`horizontal support member 164. Further preferably, the inner
`side wall 126 can extend at least to a crest defined by a
`meeting of the inner side wall 206 and the outer side wall 208
`above the horizontal support member 164.
`[0062]
`In one embodiment of the pool 100 having a polygo(cid:173)
`nal or circular shape that incorporates the splash guard 200,
`the side walls 120 of the pool 100 can include the aforemen(cid:173)
`tioned two-layer design. As described, the side wall 120 can
`include two walls. Specifically, the side wall 120 can include
`the innerwall 126 and theouterwall 128. In this arrangement,
`the inner wall 126 can preferably extend to the horizontal
`support member 164. Accordingly, the inner wall 126 can
`prevent the water from splashing outside the pool 100, as it
`fills in the gap of the conventional design.
`[0063]
`It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art,
`however, that the invention can be embodied in other specific
`forms without departing from the spirit or essential charac(cid:173)
`teristics thereof. For example, while the invention has been
`described in the context of swimming pool having the splash
`guard, generally used by children, the concepts described
`herein need not be limited to these illustrative embodiments.
`For example, swimming pools of larger sizes can be con(cid:173)
`structed using the same methods, and would enjoy the same
`benefits as the pool described above. Additionally, other types
`of containers incorporating the splash guard, which can be
`used to contain liquids or other substances could be con(cid:173)
`structed using the principles of the invention and enjoy simi(cid:173)
`lar advantages as those described above.
`[0064] Additionally, the specific configurations, choice of
`materials, and the size and shape of various elements, includ(cid:173)
`ing the splash guard, could be varied according to particular
`design specifications or constr